The Los Angeles Lakers have had a well-covered concern at the center position. Adding Deandre Ayton was the only notable move the franchise has made thus far, as well as bringing back Jaxson Hayes.
It is fair to question whether or not this will be enough with how inconsistent an effort Ayton has offered throughout his career. Ayton's lack of consistency caused Phoenix to turn the page and allowed the Lakers to easily land the former top prospect.
Ayton wasn't the only center the Lakers were tied to throughout the offseason, with Nic Claxton often tied to the franchise. It makes sense with the current Brooklyn Nets center being a great rebounder and rim protector. Adding Claxton might have made sense before Ayton, but the financial implications are now far too complicated. Los Angeles still needs size, but Claxton isn't going to be an answer.
Still, the current Net appears to remain on the trade market for the rebuilding franchise. Brooklyn remains set back from the trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. The continued attempts to reset have left the veteran center as a likely trade option.
Lakers Must Pursue Former Trade Target Nic Claxton Again
For the Lakers, it seems a more affordable option is more likely if Los Angeles plans to continue to add to the frontcourt. Veteran Al Horford would be an incredible addition if the accomplished center opts to return for another season. Otherwise, the Lakers are looking at bargain options, explaining why the franchise opted to bring back Hayes after an ugly end to the 2025 playoff run.
Claxton could still start the season with Brooklyn and be dealt at some point before the 2025-26 trade deadline. The biggest issue is the $97 million 4-year deal Claxton signed in June 2024 to complicate any potential trades. The center signed the deal and would regress the following season, making any trade far more complicated. Perhaps this is part of the reason why the rim protector has remained on the market.
Regardless, the Lakers are no longer an option for Claxton based on the contract situation. Los Angeles still must remain active in searching for depth upgrades. Hayes cannot be trusted when the games matter most, and Ayton has yet to prove he can be relied on, leaving the franchise needing to seek additional depth with an extremely limited budget.